Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, University of Oxford
Designed in collaboration with Make, this competition-winning scheme creates a new facility adjoining the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at the University of Oxford.
The proposals replace an existing building to the north-west of the Dunn School, equipping the research institute with muchneeded, state-of-the-art fl exible laboratory spaces and new computer services facilities. Laboratory spaces and offi ce facilties are laid out around a grand open staircase which rationalises circulation and creates a social focal point within the building.
In appearance, the building offers a calm and respectful counterpoint to the Pevsnerlisted, WIlliam-and-Mary style of the Dunn School, subtly refl ecting its emphatic horizontal expression and offering a modern interpretation of the cornice and plinth detailing of the original building. The palette of materials has also been selected to chime with the red brick and stone detailing of the original building.
A stone-clad core is articulated as the spine of the building, while a system of horizontal terracotta louvres shades the glazed northern and southern facades from solar gain. Vertical shading fi ns are integrated with the louvres along the north facade in order to shield against morning and evening low-angle sunlight.
The scheme has been designed to meet 20% of its energy requirements through on-site renewables; these include a CHP plant, borehole ground-source heating, solar water heating and an absorption cooling process which uses the excess heat generated by computing equipment to cool the building.
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